Stockport bus station will close this weekend to pave the way for a new £120 million transport interchange to be built.
The station will close from Sunday (August 29), with a temporary site on Heaton Lane taking its place.
Bosses from Transport for Greater Manchester and Stockport Council, the bodies behind the project, say passengers will still have a central bus hub throughout the scheme — and maintain a travel shop facility in Mersey Square.
The Heaton Lane station will be accompanied by a number of on-street bus stops around Stockport town centre ‘to provide passengers with a full bus service’.
The site is being opened now so it is fully operational for the return of schools next month, officials added.
“This is a landmark moment for the town centre and our borough as we finally say goodbye to the current station that’s served us so well since it opened 40 years ago,” Councillor David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said.
“Many a Stopfordian has passed through it and the memories it conjures up will live on.
“Nevertheless, the current station has had its time and Stockport Interchange promises to transform our town centre for the better with its new two-acre park above while further embedding Stockport’s commitment to sustainable and active travel.
“This is a really exciting time and the temporary station and on-street bus stops will ensure a full bus service continues while work on Stockport Interchange takes place.”
The new interchange is set to open in 2024, and will allow for new passenger facilities, disability access, and improved bus routes around Stockport town centre.
That’s alongside better links to the railway station, TfGM says.
During construction of the main interchange, Daw Bank will be reduced to a single lane with traffic permitted into the town centre — and diversions will be in place for road users travelling out from the town centre.
Swaine Street will also be closed during the works, however, access to TN Robinson’s car park will remain available at all times.
To assist traffic flow and reduce any potential delays the parking bays located along Daw Bank will be removed, with alternative parking available in the Station Road car park and on-street at Exchange Street.
